The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office supports and facilitates research-based inquiry within the portfolio of GVSU’s charter public schools to gain a deeper understanding about them. Evidence from the research is used to further oversight and support for the 35,000+ students enrolled in GVSU charter public schools.

Improving Student Outcomes

• Exploring Strategies for Accelerating Student Learning in GVSU Schools (July 2023): This report uses interview data from staff working in Grand Valley State University-authorized charter schools to examine strategies teachers have used to accelerate student learning. Learn more about the strategies

Postsecondary Pathways

• Exploring Postsecondary Opportunities in Grand Valley State University Charter Schools (June 2023): This report uses publicly available student enrollment and course participation data from the State of Michigan to examine postsecondary opportunities such as access to dual enrollment opportunities and participation in AP courses. in GVSU-authorized charter public schools. Read the report on postsecondary opportunities

School Working Conditions

• Examining Teachers' Perceptions of School Working Conditions: Analysis of Fall 2022 School Operations Survey (January 2023): Using teacher survey data across K-12 charter schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this research brief examines teachers’ perceptions of school working conditions and compares survey results to past years' results. Read the 2022 survey analysis
   
• Examining how Early Career Teachers' Experiences in GVSU Schools Inform Future Plans (June 2022): Using teacher survey data across K-12 schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this research brief examines early career teachers’ school experiences and future career plans. Learn how early career teachers feel about their profession.
   
• Exploring the Teacher Workforce in Grand Valley State University's Charter Schools (April 2022): Using publicly available staffing data from the State of Michigan, this study examines the demographic characteristics of teachers and administrators working in GVSU-authorized charter schools. Review the workforce report findings
   
• Examining Teachers' Perceptions of School Working Conditions: Analysis of Fall 2021 School Operations Survey (January 2022): Using teacher survey data across K-12 charter schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this research brief examines teachers’ perceptions of school working conditions and compares survey results to past years' results. Read the 2021 survey analysis

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

• Examining the Continued Impact of the Pandemic on Student Achievement in GVSU Charter Schools - Year 2 Report (October 2022): Using NWEA MAP data from K-12 schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this report examines the continued impact of the pandemic on student achievement. See the Year 2 report on student outcomes following the pandemic
   
• Examining the Continued Impact of the Pandemic on Student Achievement in GVSU Charter Schools (December 2021): Using NWEA MAP data across K-12 schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this report continues to examine student learning of one full academic year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how pandemic learning compares to pre-pandemic learning.
   
• Examining the Impact of COVID-19 School Closures on Student Achievement in GVSU Charter Schools (March 2021): Using NWEA MAP data across K-12 schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this report examines student learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the report on student achievement
   
• Analysis of Continuity of Learning Plans (April 2020): An independent review of the Continuity of Learning Plans (CLP) all GVSU charter public schools submitted detailing how the portfolio transitioned to distance learning during school closures related to COVID-19. Read the CLP report
   
• Teaching Among COVID-19 School Closures: Key Findings from the Spring 2020 GVSU Educator Survey (October 2020): Using teacher survey data across K-12 schools authorized by Grand Valley State University, this study examines teachers’ perceptions of schools’ implementation of continuity of learning plans during COVID-19 school closures. Learn about the key findings

National Reports

• Report on Higher Education Institution (HEI) Authorizing (November 2022): The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) examined how and what HEIs contribute to the charter schools’ landscape. This includes the policy landscape, unique challenges and tensions faced by HEIs, and the benefits of colleges and universities engaging in authorizing. The GVSU Charter Schools Office was one of 19 authorizers to participate in the study. Read the NACSA Report

Projects and Papers

• Analysis of Teacher Educational Institute and Student Growth: We wanted to know if student success in the GVSU CSO portfolio was affected by where a teacher received his or her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Read white paper
   
• Overview of Policy Efforts to Improve Education in Detroit: A lot has happened with Detroit education in the past 25 years. We took a brief look at how the current landscape was created. Read overview